Information Regarding Residence and Visas

Visa Arrangements

The Office of Admission sends a letter of admission and information about enrolling at Hofstra to each candidate accepted for study. After the candidate has received the offer of admission and returned all the required financial documentation, a certificate of eligibility (I-20) is sent to the student. This form must be presented to the American consulate/embassy in the student’s home country in order to obtain an F-1 student visa. The I-20 cannot be issued unless all required documents are on file in Hofstra’s Office of Admission.

The student must obtain the F-1 visa before leaving his or her home country. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) does not permit a student to change from a visitor’s visa to an F-1 visa once he or she arrives in the United States.

Hofstra University is required by law to cooperate with the U.S. Department of Justice and USCIS regarding rules and regulations governing international students. After arriving on campus, all international students will meet with an international student adviser who counsels students on immigration regulations. All international students are required to attend the University on a full-time basis.

Persons with student visas are expected to return to their home countries upon completion of their educational programs. A student visa is granted for the anticipated length of the degree program. Students may request permission from the USCIS to work in the United States for up to one year immediately after graduation.

Housing Arrangements

Living on campus offers the advantage of being close to classes and the many social activities that make Hofstra such an exciting place to live and study. Hofstra offers several living options, from high-rise towers with single, double, and triple occupancy rooms, to two-story coed houses featuring suite-style living. We are confident that one of these options is sure to meet your needs and likes.

All residential facilities provide students with basic furniture; it is up to the individual to supply the “personal touches.” In addition, each room is equipped with satellite television access and is part of an on-campus communications system, which includes a phone system allowing unlimited on-campus calls as well as voice mail. All residence hall rooms have free high-speed Internet accessibility.

Hofstra University has 12-month housing available for students who require housing during holiday periods and summer months. Each residence hall has washers and dryers, kitchenettes, lounges, and study spaces in common areas within the building. All buildings are staffed 24 hours a day by resident security representatives. Please visit hofstra.edu/reslife for more information.